product_right_aaVsCcThat is the question. It seemed too good to be true, the Alaska Airlines promotion where your companion could fly with you for only $50 more.

Starting October 1, 2009, the companion certificate will increase to $99.

Still, by any measure, a bargain in my books. Could it even be better than the cash for clunkers program?

We received the letter from Alaska today in the mail. Loni with her laser eyes immediately noted the change, quickly skipping over the introductory remarks, “Thank you for being a valued Alaska Airlines Visa Signature cardholder.”

The letter reminds us faithful that this is the first increase since 1999. I have to hand it to them. Given the airline industry turmoil of recent years that is something to hang your hat on.

Not the end of the world by any means. It still remains a good value for us west coast travelers, and is commonly used by Loreto Bay homeowners to head down for some Baja rejuvenation.

Should Loni fly solo to Loreto next time? That $49 buys a lot of seconds chocolate, Idaho style!

Clinton shoots videos for Stark Insider. San Francisco Bay Area arts, Ingmar Bergman and French New Wave, and chasing the perfect home espresso shot 25 seconds at a time (and failing). Peloton: ClintTheMint. Camera: Video Gear